Automotive

2019 Range Rover Models Blend Performance With Efficiency

2019 Range Rover Models Blend Performance With Efficiency

Expect to see prototypes of the 2019 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport P400e plug-in hybrid during the Los Angeles Auto Show. The vehicles represent a combination of “sustainable performance” and “effortless capability” according to Jaguar Land Rover. It’s the first time the models have been shown in North America. It’s also the first time those who prefer the flagship Land Rover SUV can opt for a zero-emissions variant.
Power & Performance
The new Range Rover and Range Rover Sport P400e combine a 2.0-liter four-cylinder Ingenium gasoline engine, an electric motor, and a 13.1kWh lithium-ion battery. The Ingenium plant creates 296 horsepower while the electric motor registers 114 horsepower. Combined system output is 398 horsepower and 472 lb-ft. of torque with an electric only range of 31 miles.
The Land Rover Terrain Response 2 system is calibrated to “precisely distribute” maximum torque from the electric motor at zero rpm to all four wheels. Jaguar Land Rover says this provides better control during low speed, off-road maneuvers. All 2018 Range Rover models come with air suspension to raise the vehicle for more aggressive off-road driving.
Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Drive Modes
Customers can choose two different modes: Parallel Hybrid, the default mode, combines the gasoline and electric powertrains. To help maximize efficiency, drivers can enact a “SAVE” function to prevent the battery from dropping below a certain level. Predictive Energy Optimization works in tandem with the navigation to increase efficiency. Once a destination is entered, the vehicle utilizes GPS altitude data for the route and combines the gasoline and electric motors accordingly.
The second mode is simply called “Electric Vehicle.” This means the Range Rover is running solely on the electric motor with the battery’s stored energy.
Construction
The new Range Rovers are lighter than their counterparts – 39 percent to be exact. Both the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport P400e utilize an all-aluminum body which accounts for the weight loss when compared to a steel equivalent. Jaguar Land Rover notes the “extensive optimization processes” for the vehicle’s architecture, saying the processes were some of the most ambitious in the company’s history. The development of the all-aluminum body required intense computer simulation and a 1,000 years of processor time.
Multi-dimensional optimization tools were also used to minimize weight while simultaneously delivering outstanding stiffness and refinement, according to Jaguar Land Rover. Aerodynamic advancements are seen specifically with the flush glazing, the D-pillar’s sharp separation, and rear lights. This combination helps create a drag coefficient of 0.34.
Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.

Configuration & Charging
The 2.0-liter Ingenium gasoline engine is longitudinally mounted, with the 85kW electric motor housed inside the ZF eight-speed automatic. The transmission resides at the vehicle’s center with the 7kW on-board charger. The inverter, also near the center of the vehicle, turns DC voltage from the battery pack into AC current to supply the electric motor.
The prismatic cell lithium-ion battery is rear-mounted and beneath the trunk floor. The access area for the charge point is behind a panel on the grille. The P400e is available with three types of cables – it includes a home charging lead, which connects to domestic power supplies. When rapid charging, a full charge takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes at home using a dedicated 32 amp wall box. The battery can be fully charged in about 7 hours and 30 minutes using the 10 amp home charging cable supplied as standard.
Manufacturing & Availability
This probably goes without saying, but the 2019 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport P400e plug-in hybrid will offer a lot for drivers. In addition to what we have discussed here, there is a state-of-the-art four-wheel drive system, a host of available advanced driver assistance features, and Executive Seating, which means wider seat frames and additional foam for more comfort.
Both vehicles are designed and engineered by Jaguar Land Rover in the United Kingdom, with production at the company’s Solihull facility. The 2019 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport P400e plug-in hybrid are available now for order; the first deliveries are expected from the end of 2017, depending on the market. Since it launched in 2004, more than 732,000 Range Rover Sports have been sold.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.

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The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS450 Can Change Your Mood. Literally.

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS450 Can Change Your Mood. Literally.

Mercedes-Benz rolled out their latest CLS at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show. It has more of everything: tech, safety, performance, comfort, the whole lot. But wait, what’s this? This is very out of the ordinary! It is being propelled by a inline six cylinder? Wow, haven’t seen a new one of those in a long while. I wonder what’s in store, besides lots of torque?
The Mercedes-Benz CLS, which is one of those “coupe” things that has four doors (I see what you’re trying to pull here), has been around since 2003. So whatever bugs were there from the get-go, Merc has probably crunched them by now.
Six Shooter
The real interesting part is that straight six. In broad strokes, the new plant gets something called EQ Boost and a 48 volt on-board electrical system. EQ Boost is a new, “systematically electrified” system that piggybacks onto the conventional aspects of the engine. EQ Boost integrates the starter, which is now a starter/generator hybrid unit, with the 48 volt on-board electrical system to add power as the CLS’s umpteen computers see fit. EQ Boost is available on both the CLS450 and CLS450 4MATIC. The plant puts out 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque on its own, and if it calls for the EQ Boost, that will kick in an additional 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque over short periods. Not bad, not bad.
So EQ Boost is sort of like a half-hybrid set up. Mercedes-Benz does not mention other batteries or separate battery packs, but does note the EQ Boost can assist, for example, when accelerating. They even say it makes driving without the combustion engine possible. For some reason, Merc calls this EV-only thing “sailing,” which speaks to me of serious schnapsleiche in the marketing department.
Other than the EQ Boost equipped inline six, the CLS presents new goodies like a consistent interior color scheme, widescreen digital instrument cluster, and some outstandingly goofy junk called ENERGIZING Comfort (all caps – more schnapsleiche in the marketing department). The latter focuses on wellness (no, really).
The new CLS has a four-link front and five-link rear suspension. An air suspension system with adjustable and adaptive damping is optional. Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA.
Interior Treatments
When it comes to the interior, Mercedes-Benz really seems geeked out on colors. The ambient lighting lets you choose from 64 (!) colors and even features lighting inside the air vents. Yes air vents. Why? Because that way, when you change the temperature setting of the air conditioning, it briefly changes the color of the air vent lights to show the temperature is being made warmer (red) or cooler (blue). How did we ever get along without this?! The CLS450 is equipped with a wide-screen, high-resolution central display that is more than 12-inches diagonally. If that’s not enough, two more 12.3-inch displays are available. There are three display configuration styles the driver can choose from, depending on preference, mood, or to suit the interior appointments: Classic, Sport, or Progressive. So what.
“The new CLS is a design icon as the archetype of the four-door coupe,” said Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer, Daimler AG. “In line with our hot and cool design philosophy, we have reduced its DNA to an extremely puristic level while emotionally charging its beauty.” Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA.
Energy Efficient
The ENERGIZING Comfort system is there to link various “comfort systems” in the vehicle into one, harmonious package. The system uses the functions of the climate control, including fragrancing (and yes, Mercedes-Benz made up the word fragrancing), the seats (heat, ventilation, massage), the surface and steering wheel heating, as well as lighting and musical atmospheres. This allows, and I’m not kidding, a “specific wellness set-up tailored to the mood and need of the customer.”
Thankfully there are no pink bunnies involved.
Six ENERGIZING programs can be selected: Refresh / Freshness, Warmth, Vitality, Joy, Comfort / Well-Being, and Training with three training modes – muscle relaxation, muscle activation, and balance – each with several exercises. Rumors have it that Mercedes-Benz is working on more ENERGIZING programs including Swedish Heavy Metal, Talk Radio Anger Bear, Haight-Ashbury, and Dryer Lint. Mercedes-Benz says well-being and performance levels are enhanced. I’m not sure about that, but I can tell you my laughing was seriously enhanced reading about it. Was I right when I said outstandingly goofy junk or what?
Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA.
All Is Well
The new CLS is equipped with the latest generation of driving assistance systems, including route-based speed adaptation and driver support. Also included are Active Brake Assist, and the occupant protection system PRE-SAFE, including PRE-SAFE Sound which “prepares human hearing for the anticipated accident noise when there is a risk of a collision.” I’m assuming that PRE-SAFE Sound is a recording of a matronly lady quietly repeating, “Es ist in Ordnung mein Kleiner. Bald wird es einen Anschlag geben, aber du wirst in Sicherheit sein. Alles ist gut. Alles ist gut.”
Also thrown into the mix is Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist. In other words, you get more assistance than a military contractor come tax time.
Availability
Look, there is a ton of other stuff here. The Mercedes-Benz press release runs on for nearly three-thousand words and reads like a Neichze-ian screed about the coming uber-auto. Through all of this, one thing is extremely clear: The third generation Mercedes-Benz CLS is an exceedingly well thought out, well engineered, and well screwed together car. Following its debut at the LA Auto Show, the new CLS will arrive in the United States in the fall of 2018.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS450 Gallery

Photos & Source: Mercedes-Benz USA.

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2018 Nissan Kicks Makes A Punch In Los Angeles

2018 Nissan Kicks Makes A Punch In Los Angeles

Get your kicks on Route 66! And Nissan has chosen California – the Los Angeles Auto Show to be exact – to reveal the 2018 Kicks, the brand’s newest compact crossover. Nissan’s sales in this segment are at an all-time high and the automaker hopes the Kicks will generate additional growth.
“As the gateway to Nissan’s adventure-ready sport-utility portfolio – joining Rogue Sport, Rogue, Murano, Pathfinder, and Armada – Kicks is designed to fit the needs of singles or couples looking for expressive styling, personal technology, smart functionality, and advanced safety features at an affordable price starting well under $19,000,” explained Dan Mohnke, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing and Operations, Nissan Division U.S., Nissan North America, Inc.
Design Language
We’ve come to expect the V-Motion grille, a signature found on every Nissan today. The 2018 Kicks also features unique wheel arches, boomerang headlights and taillights, and a “floating” roof for a “wrap-around visor” look. There are seven different exterior colors and five two-tone schemes on offer, three of which utilize a black roof and contrasting body colors (white, orange, or red). An orange roof with a gray body, or a white roof with a blue body can also be had.
Interior Treatments
Nissan notes the “Gliding Wing” design of the dashboard, anchored by a seven-inch color display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Those who enjoy tunes while they navigate will appreciate the Bose premium stereo with UltraNearfield neodymium speakers, located inside the driver’s headrest.
Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Power & Performance
The 2018 Nissan Kicks has a little kick to it, with a standard 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder. Complete with a Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control System, the engine generates 125 horsepower and 115 lb-ft. of torque. With an Xtronic transmission, the front-wheel drive Kicks is expected to achieve a fuel economy rating of 33 mpg combined.
“With good ground clearance, a high eye point, electric power steering, and small turning radius, Kicks is a great companion to navigate the city with,” Mohnke added.
Pricing & Availability

The 2018 Nissan Kicks will be offered in three grades: S, SV, and SR. All-wheel drive is not available. We would enjoy seeing a Midnight Edition variant for this little cruiser – those special trim packages have proven popular with Nissan customers. Expect to see the Kicks on sale in the new year.
“Pricing for the 2018 Nissan Kicks will be announced closer to its on-sale date in spring 2018, but we are expecting to be among the most competitive in the segment,” Mohnke said.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
2018 Nissan Kicks Gallery

Photos & Source: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

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Range Rover Sport Climbs To Heaven’s Gate

Range Rover Sport Climbs To Heaven’s Gate The Range Rover Sport has just completed the Dragon Challenge, climbing up to the arch of Heaven’s Gate, one of China’s most famous landmarks. The Range Rover Sport is the first vehicle in history to accomplish such a feat, covering nearly a thousand steps after it started at the bottom of the seven-mile Tianmen Mountain Road, also known as the Dragon Road.
“This was the hardest Range Rover Sport challenge I’ve ever been involved with because, until we reached the top, we couldn’t categorically say we would succeed,” explained Phil Jones, Land Rover Experience Expert.
Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Stairway to Heaven
The Range Rover Sport was fitted with special, reinforced tires for Panasonic Jaguar Racing’s Ho-Pin Tung, who piloted the SUV for the endeavor. The Range Rover Sport was equipped with the Terrain Response system and placed in “Dynamic” mode. At the summit of the road, Ho-Pin Tung optimized the Terrain Response system for the second part of the challenge, allowing him to climb the 45-degree staircase consisting of 99 turns and 999 steps, ultimately leading him to Heaven’s Gate.
“I’ve experienced Formula E, Formula 1, and won at the 24 Hours of Le Mans but this was without doubt one of the most demanding driving challenges I’ve ever faced,” he said.
“By making it to the summit, we’ve proven the phenomenal capability of the Range Rover Sport like never before – with a genuine world first,” Jones added.

Endurance Marathons
The Dragon Challenge is the latest in a series of events completed by the Range Rover Sport, which received a host of technology and design updates for 2018. The vehicle made its debut in a race against two-time open-water swimming world champion Keri-anne Payne and endurance athlete Ross Edgley in Devon, UK. Previous accomplishments include a record-setting hill-climb at Pikes Peak, a record-crossing of the “Empty Quarter” desert in the Arabian Peninsula, and a 7,119 foot descent of the Inferno downhill course in Mürren, Switzerland.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.

Photos & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.

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This 1968 Mustang LEGO Kit Makes Us Want To Stop Growing Up

This 1968 Mustang LEGO Kit Makes Us Want To Stop Growing Up When I was a kid, I enjoyed LEGO sets much like any other youngster does today. I constructed a number of the Legoland pirate and medieval arrays, sometimes placing the knights in with the pirates for a gag. As I got older, I found the Technic series a bit more challenging with the helicopter ones being my favorite. However, my Duplo days as a tot stand out. I would try and recreate the cars and trucks I saw with those bigger Duplo blocks. At the time, we lived in a two bedroom apartment – a bigger unit as I recall – but my signature was leaving a LEGO in every room.
My father could walk our hallway and not even look down, he was so accustomed to stepping over them.
Days Gone By
As I blaze the trail through my late thirties and into that uncertain vortex known as “your forties,” I am naturally inclined toward anything that even slightly reminds me of my childhood. I’ve made it a habit to wander through the toy section on my trips to Meijer in hopes to find a new Hot Wheels or Matchbox car. In my quest to declutter and disconnect, I am ever more drawn to things that are wholesome and fun, yet still really cool. One such thing is the 1968 Ford Mustang fastback race car, the latest entry into the LEGO Speed Champions lineup.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Small & Sharp
When assembled, the 183-piece kit yields a sharp green performance car, complete with gold stripes, racing graphics, and a removable windscreen. The set even includes a Ford-branded timing board and a little racing figurine, that I would place in the pirate ship while Captain Red Beard has a go in the Mustang.
“The new Ford Mustang LEGO Speed Champions set gives parents and children the chance to share their passions – generations of fans have grown up building LEGO sets and spending time together behind the wheel,” explained Myra Lind, LEGO Speed Champions Marketing Manager. “This partnership of iconic brands allows kids of all ages to enjoy the latest products from two great companies.”
“We worked closely with LEGO to design a vintage Mustang, personalizing the fastback with stripes and decals that harken back to Ford’s racing heritage,” added Matt Monroe, Ford Licensing Manager.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Big Kid At Heart
I don’t know why I love this little thing so much. Maybe it’s because I want kids of my own someday, or maybe it’s because – like I said above – as I get older, I find remarkable value in things that are wholesome and fun. Career-wise, I’m picking up the pace, which is what any man my age should be doing, but the faster we move on that trajectory, the more likely we are to forget the innocence of our childhood. It’s been so long since I last sat down and put a LEGO set together – probably twenty some years.
That’s simply too long.
We at this publication will consider ourselves kids (just slightly taller) on March 1st when the LEGO Mustang goes on sale. I’m going to get one, put it together, and set it next to my Lava Lamp on my desk. This forthcoming 1968 Mustang joins the GT40, F-150 Raptor, Fiesta WRC, and a handful of other blue oval heroes in the LEGO Speed Champions Ford collection.
So if I want more opportunities to be a kid, I have them.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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Does Fiat Fit Your Personality? An In-Depth Look At The Lineup

Does Fiat Fit Your Personality? An In-Depth Look At The Lineup In our world today, bigger usually means better. And while that is true to a certain degree, there is the counter adage of big things coming in small packages. This is Fiat’s approach and being the little guy is sometimes quite swell. The Italian automaker focuses on what they call a modern, yet simple approach that blends functionality, technology, and ownership pride. Fiat wants drivers to feel a sense of self-expression and points their design and engineering efforts toward that end.
Dynamic & Different
I’m a Fiat owner which, considering my affinity for muscle cars and long history of truck ownership, having a 500X is quite the departure. Yet, I enjoy my Fiat very much. It’s different in every regard in terms of its styling and interior layout, but it’s comfortable, reliable, and remarkably efficient. I’ve even turned a few heads when I have my 500X all shined up on a nice day.
Depending on your personality, a Fiat might be ideal for you. I say personalty because Fiat owners are a different bunch, but we’re a merry bunch to be sure. If you’re thinking about something Italian and something a bit out of the ordinary, then this list below is for you. Here is a brief look at the entire Fiat lineup to help you decide which one you like best.
500
The 2018 Fiat 500 is available in three models: Pop, Lounge, and the higher-performance Abarth. The latter is definitely the most fun, but for the sake of daily driving, the first two are likely to best suit you. The Pop and Lounge have plenty of pep with the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo that delivers 150 lb-ft. of torque and 135 horsepower, an increase of 34 horsepower versus the 2017 model. The engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission or the optional six-speed automatic, and there’s even a sport-tuned exhaust.
Pop and Lounge models have 16-inch aluminum wheels for curb appeal, a performance-oriented braking system for safety, a sport-tuned suspension for better handling, and a backup camera because busy parking lots are always tricky. Optional equipment is no longer grouped into “collections,” meaning different features can be easily combined and interchanged with one another.
The Fiat 500 Pop starts at $14,995; the Lounge at $18,395, with the Abarth landing at $19,995. All trim levels are available as a Cabrio (convertible) for an additional $1,495. Fuel economy for the 500 is 31/40 mpg city/highway with the Abarth coming in at 28/34 mpg city/highway.

500 Abarth
If you need a little more spark, the 500 Abarth may suit your tastes with its lickety-split temperament. Bearing the name of Karl Alberto Abarth, it features a performance suspension, 16-inch Hyper Black aluminum wheels, Pirelli tires, and a really cool sounding exhaust system. The 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo here puts out a bit more grunt: 160 horsepower and 183 lb-ft. of torque, with a Sport mode and torque transfer control system to really maximize performance.
The 500 Abarth is a driver’s car through and through. When you get inside, it’s simple. There’s no clutter, nothing fancy (although you can do a sunroof), and it’s not the least bit quiet. But it’s like a little rocket on four wheels and if you want all the joys of driving and none of the frills, the 500 Abarth is among the best choices on the market. The seats hold you tight, the suspension keeps you planted, and the turbo boost gauge is a blast to watch.
2017 Fiat 500 Abarth. Photo: FCA US LLC.
500e
Sometimes this little guy gets missed, but it’s a hidden gem as electrified vehicles become increasingly more plausible for consumers. The Fiat 500e offers over 80 miles of driving range, 121 miles per gallon equivalent in the city and 112 MPGe combined. The regenerative braking system can use 100 percent of its regenerative capability all the way down to eight mph. This maximizes efficiency but increases brake life – Fiat refers to this as “blended braking.” Right now, the vehicle is only available in California and Oregon.

500L
So it’s a bit homely and admittedly, it’s the only Fiat I don’t like. At all. Yet, when compared to the 500, the L offers 42 percent more interior space, seating for five, and more than 50 different seating and storage configurations. Further, the L offers more than 40 different standard and available safety features, a bonus for families on the go. There is plenty of tech inside, from a backup camera, USB ports, and a seven-inch display compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The aforementioned 1.4-liter engine provides an ample 160 horsepower and the ride should be plenty comfortable as the chassis is tuned for a touring car feel. Whatever, it’s still weird looking. I’m a Fiat owner and I’m corky but my corky has limits. This is well past the limit.
2018 Fiat 500L. Photo: FCA US LLC.
500X
The 500X is arguably the most practical and stylish member of the Fiat household, and it’s definitely the most sure-footed. Built on the Jeep Renegade platform with an option for all-wheel drive, the 500X feels stable and firm, something not all small crossovers can say. Though the 500X is modest when compared to marque Italian performance cars, the steering and handling aspects – inherent strengths in Italian engineering – do cross over (no pun intended) to the 500X. The result is a crisp, solid, and responsive little vehicle perfect for city driving.
Two engines are on offer: the 1.4-liter, which we have already been chatting about, is standard on Pop models and paired with a six-speed manual. However, the 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir2 enters the picture. It’s standard on Trekking and Lounge with an available nine-speed automatic.
By the numbers, The 1.4-liter with the manual delivers 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque, with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25/33 mpg city/highway. By comparison, the 2.4-liter generates 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft. of torque, with an EPA-estimated rating of 22/30 mpg city/highway for front-wheel drive models; 21/29 mpg for all-wheel drive models.
The 500X has 70 available safety and security features, a generous array of connectivity offerings via the Uconnect system, and the option for a panoramic sunroof and heated steering wheel. The 500X starts around $20,000 and they lease well.

124 Spider
This is definitely the most exciting member of the Fiat family, especially in its Abarth skin. The 124 Spider was introduced 50 years ago, although it’s been about 30 years since it was last in the United States. Similar to the 500 Abarth, the Spider in any one of its trims (Classica, Lusso, Abarth) is a true driver’s car. Styling and performance are among the Fiat 124 Spider’s most defining characteristics, seen in things like the long hood and short rear deck, or the Abarth’s Bilstein sport suspension and mechanical limited-slip differential.
The front engine, rear-drive configuration is balanced at a near 50/50 with a curb weight between 2,400 and 2,500 lbs., depending on the model. The 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo returns and delivers 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque on Classica and Lusso, with a slight bump to 164 horsepower for the Abarth. The roadster is available with either a six-speed manual or Aisin automatic transmission.
Other nice features include heated seats, a Bose premium stereo, and a healthy array of safety tech. Fiat has made the packages a bit more flexible so it’s easier to mix and match what you might want – the 124 Spider starts just shy of $25,000.
2018 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Personality Driven
Like I mentioned above, a Fiat may not necessarily fit your personality but if it does, hopefully this list helped. If you are looking for something practical, the 500 and 500X are your best options. If you want a little more pep in your step, one of the Abarth models will do nicely. If you want a fun car to take for a joy ride on a summer day, that’s definitely the 124 Spider. And if you are looking for something really odd, but with lots of room, then the L is your knight in shining armor.
Of course, you can always drop us a line if you have additional questions. Just ask for me when you do.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Photos & Source: FCA US LLC (2017 & 2018 models shown).

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2018 Mazda MX-5 RF Goes Nationwide

2018 Mazda MX-5 RF Goes Nationwide The 2018 Mazda MX-5 RF (better known as the new “Miata” with the trick roof) will finally hit dealers across the nation by the end of this month. I’ve actually seen two of these little guys in the past week up here in the Pacific Northwest, and I have to say they’re quite attractive, especially when in motion. This also gives Miata, er, MX-5 fans something they have long been slavering for: a coupe option.
Say What?
I never really understood this, but when I was living in San Francisco, the local roadster club I was in was obsessed with getting removable hardtops for their Miatas. It was the coolest thing you could do, style-wise. Here we were in an area of the world seemingly made for top-down sports car driving nine days out of ten, and what do guys want? Hardtops. So, the current gen MX-5 RF should do great business in the Bay Area.
Chicago Style
With the top up, the RF has a classic, fastback style, and with the top “down” . . . well, okay, it’s doesn’t actually go all the way down, it does this Targa-like thing. Which is good. It looks nice, blows your hair around, lets you hear and smell what’s going on around you, but you know, sadly, not a full-blown convertible. At any rate, here we are in Chicago, The Windy City, City of The Big Shoulders, Hog Butcher to The World for the Chicago Auto Show, and this is where Mazda announces the pricing and packaging for the 2018 MX-5 RF. This follows, since the Chicago Show was where the first Miata debuted in 1989 (feeling old yet?).

Technology & Available Equipment
This is the second year of production for the MX-5 RF, which stands for retractable fastback, and for this go-round, all MX-5s receive some noteworthy upgrades. For example, we have the newly standard heated cloth seats in MX-5 Club. As a guy who is currently looking for a good interior shop to install aftermarket seat heaters in his 1994 R-Package, I can only see this as a good and sacred thing. Advanced Keyless Entry comes standard on all models, along with new color options and leather-trimmed seats (also heated) as part of the Brembo/BBS Package.
Both the Club and Grand Touring versions come with standard LED headlights, various infotainment technologies, and a nifty seven-inch display. There are two USB inputs, a Bose nine-speaker audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and plenty of safety features like blind spot detection. And all that is nice and fine and true, but believe me, when you start to wring out a little sports car like this on a winding road, all that stuff falls away from “what is needed.” And “what is needed” a Miata has in droves.
Photo: Mazda North American Operations.
Power & Performance
All new Miatas, er, MX-5s, come with a fast to redline SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine that sends 155 horsepower to the rear wheels via a standard 6-speed manual transmission. And given that these things weigh in at, what, 2,200 lbs, that’s enough motive power. There is an available 6-speed automatic that people say is actually pretty good. It has those slick flappy paddles and all that, but I haven’t driven one yet, so don’t ask me if the auto-box is a good option.
As far as the RF Club is concerned, manual transmission models come with a limited-slip rear differential (saWEET), a front shock-tower brace, and Bilstein dampers. The aforementioned Brembo/BBS package includes (in addition to the heated leather seats) forged, lightweight BBS wheels, body sill extensions, and a rear bumper skirt. Not to put too fine a point on this, but this is the package to get. To quote my father: “When you have the option, always get the hotter version.”
If minimalist performance is not your thing, then perhaps I can interest you in the more luxurious MX-5 Grand Touring. The Grand Touring comes with body-color exterior mirrors, automatic on/off headlights, rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate control, heated leather seats (naturally), navigation, an Adaptive Front-lighting System with High Beam Control, and a Lane-Departure Warning system. For 2018, Auburn Nappa leather is available fine sir.

Pricing & In Person
The 2018 Mazda MX-5 RF starts around $25,000, topping out in the mid-to-high $30,000 range. And dollar for dollar, they are very hard cars to argue with. You can see them on display at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show now through the 19th at the McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format.
Photos & Source: Mazda North American Operations.

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The New Mazda6 And The Automaker’s Path To Premium

The New Mazda6 And The Automaker’s Path To Premium

That redone Mazda6 that everyone seemed to be oo-ing and ah-ing over? More details are out now, and along with them, is Mazda’s announcement that the 6 will be the Hiroshima’s company’s spearhead in what it calls “Path to Premium.” Yeah, I know. That sounds like a mistranslation, but it’s not. That’s how Mazda says it, and that, much like the Mazda6’s tilt at being a gorgeous, performance sedan, is yet another example of Mazda taking its own unique go at pushing barriers and being memorable.
Path to Premium. Not The Path to Premium, just Path to Premium. That tells you a lot about where Mazda is heading with the Mazda6. They want it to be seen as many things to many people (with approved credit): Powerful, beautiful, performance oriented, reliable, and now premium. What premium means to Mazda is that this car will offer many first-class details and options usually found on other cars from other countries (cough the Germans cough).
Market Strategy
Why head in this direction has an interesting origin for Mazda. It all started with, of all things, the 2016 Mazda CX-9 three-row crossover. Mazda noticed that when it came to CX-9 sales, roughly 55 percent of them sold in the United States have been either high-level Grand Touring models, or top-trim Signature models. These trim levels have been very well received, selling much better than expected. And Mazda’s not stupid. When you see a pile of money sitting on the ground, you pick it up. So, figures Mazda, if that’s what buyers want in our SUVs and crossovers, let’s give it to them in our big-ish sedan too!
So, the 6’s chassis has been thoroughly revised for a more supple ride, greater agility, and dramatically improved NVH (that’s noise, vibration and harshness, in case you didn’t know). The sedan also gets brown Nappa leather and UltraSuede NU that is adorned with a gold tint similar to that used to make ornate kimonos. Sen wood accents are found across the interior of the Mazda6 too, a type of wood used for Japanese furniture and taiko drums.
Photo: Mazda North American Operations.

Power & Performance
And, even more importantly from my perspective, the latest Mazda6 gets a whomper of an engine that really makes this thing move down the road. The SKYACTIV-G 2.5T turbo engine is renowned for its nearly instantaneous, ample torque, thanks to its Dynamic Pressure Turbo. This accelerates exhaust gasses through a tiny inlet so the turbocharger quickly spools up at low RPM before opening a larger, secondary passage. It’s sort of like an old two-stage carb, only much more efficient.
Interior Treatments
The front seats have been fully redesigned and are wider, with high-density, vibration-absorbing urethane foam for a firm, supportive surface. Yet they are supple enough for long trips. The seats are further designed to help keep our spines in the natural S-shape we use while standing. There are optional ventilated front seats in the Mazda6 that wick away warm air from your back to keep you cool. Rear seats have also been redesigned with the same high-density urethane foam for greater comfort.
And since this is “Path to Premium” we’re talking about here, the interior is very restrained, yet fancy and comfortable, and dripping with tech features. Think of it as a conference room on wheels and you get the idea.
Photo: Mazda North American Operations.
Technology Central
There’s one of those fun-house-mirror-esque 360 degree cameras so you can see what’s going on around you when you’re parking or backing out of a space. That picture is displayed on a reconfigurable seven-inch TFT display, or if you prefer, on a new eight-inch infotainment screen with sharper contrast. Full-speed Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, a windshield wiper de-icer, and a heads-up unit that shoots visual info onto the windshield, just like a modern jet fighter, are all available.
Mazda says these latest upgrades will launch the Mazda6 above the mainstream sedan fray, changing the idea of what an affordable car can and should be. And that is all nice marketing-speak for “hey, you’ll think you’re in an expensive, high performance Euro-sedan, but you’re actually driving a much more affordable Mazda.” Okay. fair enough.
This all seems a reasonable thing and it should work, but that will be up to the paying customer. The road that has lead us to the current state of automotive technological greatness is littered with perfectly good ideas that no one paid attention to or bought. Here’s hoping the Mazda6 is not one of them. Expect to see it on sale this spring.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Redesigned Mazda6 Gallery

Photos & Source: Mazda North American Operations.

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Future Toyota Adventure Concept: The Off-Road Autobot

Future Toyota Adventure Concept: The Off-Road Autobot

The Future Toyota Adventure Concept (FT-AC) made its debut in sunny California as the Los Angeles Auto Show gets underway. Toyota says the California reveal was intentional as many residents enjoy trips to the desert and beach. The FT-AC is aimed at active lifestyle types who desire versatility and uniqueness in a vehicle.
“FT-AC is perfect for those outdoor enthusiasts who want to dial up the adventure on their weekend getaways,” explained Jack Hollis, Group Vice president and General Manager, Toyota Division. “No matter the roads, the activities, or the people, FT-AC sparks authentic fun and conversation.”
Talking Points & Transformers
Indeed, the FT-AC will start a conversation – it’s near impossible not to have some reaction to it. Toyota’s press materials say “at first glance, it is evident that FT-AC’s bold and daring design reflects the confident spirit of Toyota’s existing SUVs and trucks.” That’s fair, although I would contend it looks like a Transformer. That’s not to be taken negatively either. I sense being on a camping excursion at Warren Dunes State Park over July 4th with family and friends; just as we are about to enjoy some burgers and brats, Megatron rises up from Lake Michigan, which would pretty much ruin the evening. My FT-AC morphs into an Autobot and sends the Emperor of Destruction packing back to Cybertron.
Cue a witty one-liner from Ironhide and we’re all set.
But seriously, the FT-AC is focused on making the trip as fun as the destination. There are a number of things one could do with this vehicle because it’s designed for both the highway and high country. I only suggest Warren Dunes becasue I love that area of Michigan, but those who go rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and the like could easily find uses for this machine.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Cameras & Creatures
The FT-AC was molded around a long wheelbase and wide track to increase capability while communicating a powerful stance. The wide fender flares provide protection; just below reside the 20-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Toyota notes the ground clearance and skid plates for a “go and play” mentality. The LED headlights, LED marker lights, and fog lamps ensure one can “go and play” even at night.
There are infrared cameras on the side mirrors so you can record your expedition to find Bigfoot. When you do, a Wi-Fi hotspot automatically uploads the footage to a cloud-based storage where real-time editing and posting can be done via a mobile device. This way, you can determine if it’s actually Bigfoot, a bear, or a guy in a suit. And if you get lost looking for the mysterious Sasquatch, instead of being the featured characters in a campy, nonsensical horror flick, you can utilize FT-AC’s geolocation capabilities for directions back home. No getting chased through the woods for you by the Yeti, no sir.
Pricing & Availability
The FT-AC is simply a science experiment but Toyota says it has “been imagined” as a gasoline-powered vehicle with advanced torque-vectoring and all-wheel drive. Ideally, the driver could toggle a terrain-select system, changing up the throttle response and power delivery depending on the road or lack thereof. Toyota even hints at the possibility of the FT-AC being a hybrid. Only time will tell.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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